Flashlight switch



Nov. 29, 1938. w. J. FFICER ET A1.

FLASHLIGHT SWITCH Filed Jan. 29, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet l @fifi if f5 3 aad,

Wash

ATTORNEY.

Nov. 29, 1938. W. J. OFFICER ET AL FLASHLIGHT SWITCH Filed Jan. 29, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 llllllllll ATTORNEYS Nov. 29, 1938. w. J. OFFICER Er AL FLASHLIGHT SWITCH Filed Jan. 29, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS,

5 Sheets-Sheet 4 FLASHLIG-HT SWITCH Filed Jan. 29, 1935 W. J. QFFICER ET AL url/11.11 rllllll 1,111,114111111111111111,q

Nov. ze, 193s.

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N0V 29, 1938 W. J. OFFICER ET AL 2,138,387

FLASHLI GHT SWITCH Filed Jan. 29, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEY.

Patented Nov. 29, 1938 PATENT OFFICE FLASHLIGHT SWITCH Wesley J. Officer, Hampden,

and Orville T. Wood,

Clinton, Mass., assignors to Blake Manufacturing Corporation, Clinton,

of Massachusetts Mass., a corporation Application January 29, 1935, Serial No. 3,934

14 Claims.

Our invention relates to improvements in flashlight switches, and particularly to that type of ilashlight switch commonly known in the art as a three position, locking, slide switch. The three positions inferred are anl open circuit position, an intermittent, or flash light position in which the circuit is closed by intermittent pressure on some part of the switch, and a closed circuit position.

An obj ect of this invention is to provide a three position, locking, slide switch of sturdy, simple, economical construction, and having means for positively locking the switch mechanism in open circuit position in such a manner that a positive mechanical operation will be required to move the switch mechanism from this position.

A second object of this invention is to provide, in a switch of this character, a slide member adapted to automatically assimilate, or compensate for, all variations in dimensions Which normally occur in the manufacture and assembly of the switch parts. These variations are the result of unavoidable conditions, including commercial tolerances of the thickness of material used, variations in the tools employed due to wear, setups, etc., differences in touch or feel of operators with manually operable tools, and variations caused by normal assembling operations. These normal variations experienced in the assembly of the several parts of a switch mechanism 'may cause inefficient operation, unsatisfactory results, and rejections in manufacture and inspection, and involve a manufacturing expense in repair and reassembling work. As stated above, it is an object of this invention to provide means for automatically compensating for these variations, resulting in a uniform operation of all switches, and eliminating the handicaps presented by these variations in dimensions.

A third object of this invention is to provide a three position, locking, slide switch in which the movable members will snap from one position to another with a positive, clearly defined feel, accompanied by a distinctly audible click.

The principal object of our invention is in the use of a helical spring, instead of a fiat spring, which is a common construction now in use, in flash light switches. The advantage of a helical spring is that it never loses its spring effect, which is not true of a flat, or leaf spring. A flat spring is subject to a permanent set, and will not remain alive, as a helical spring does at all times. In other words, the coil spring possesses permanency and long life, while a flat spring does not.

These, and other objects and advantages of our invention, will be more completely disclosed and described in the following specification, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

In carrying our invention into effect, we provide in combination with a flashlight tube, or casing and a switch lead, a housing member, a slide within the housing having a top member and a bottom member independently movable relative to each other vertically, but movable longitudinally only as a unit, a helical compression spring between the top and bottom members of the slide normally exerting a force to spread said members apart, a button on the top member of said slide, electrical contact means on the switch lead and projecting into the housing, open circuit, flash, and closed circuit positions within said housing, cooperative means between the slide and said positions, and means for positively locking the slide in the open circuit station from whence the slide may be moved only by a positive mechanical operation, whereby the slide, when engaged in the ash position may be connected with the contact means by pressure on the button, and when in the closed circuit position, will be in engagement with the contact means, without pressure on the button.

O-ur invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal, sectional view of a typical switch slide.

Fig. 2 is a cross, sectional view on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal, sectional view of a single contact switch, with the slide in open circuit position.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing the slide in flash contact position.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing the slide in closed circuit position.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary, plan view of a flashlight casing portion, shown in Figs. 3, 4, and 5.

Fig. '7 is a cross, sectional view, taken on the line 1-1 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is a View similar to Fig. 3, showing a modified form of switch lead.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary, plan view of a flashlight casing portion and switch lead, shown in Fig. 8. i

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 3, illustrating a double contact switch,A with the slide in open circuit position.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary, plan view of a flashlight casing portion and switch lead, shown in Fig.l l0.

Fig. 12 is a longitudinal, sectional view of an lterna `ve form of double contact switch.

lig. i3 is a fragmentary, plan view of a ilashght asing portion and switch lead, shown in i 12.

14 is a plan view of the switch, shown in 2.

i 15 is a longitudinal, sectional view of a preferred form of double contact switch, in which the switch lead and switch may be assembled, as a unit, before assembly with the tube.

Fig. 16 is a cross, sectional view on the line iG-i of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a cross, sectional view on the line Il-ii of Fig. 15.

Fig. 18 illustrates a modified form of switch having the switch stations in the housing instead of on the tube.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view on the line iti-I9 of Fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary, plan view of the tube and switch lead, shown in Fig. 18.

Fig. 2l is a View similar to Fig. 18, illustrata modiiied form of housing and slide. ig. 22 is a View similar to Fig. 21, illustratsecond modication.

23 is a fragmentary, sectional view of a lo king means adapted for use in any and all of the switches illustrated, and

Figs. 24, 25, 26 and 27 illustrate a further modification of switch slide adapted for use with a double housing, such as is used with a ashlight, in which two slides are required.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, in which like numerals refer to like parts throughoutr The switch slide, illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, is adaptable for use in any of the switch constructions shown in Figs. 3 to 26, inclusive. The slide slide l has four parts; a top member 2, a bottom member 3, a push button 4, and a helical, expansible spring 5. The button 4 is formed with corrugations 6 to provide a gripping surface for the thumb, or nger, of an operator, and is rixedly secured on the top member 2 by tabs i, which project through slots 8 and are bent away from one another to engage the under side ci the top portion 9 of the top member 2. The top member 2 is formed with the top portion end portions I 0 and inwardly projecting flanges Ii and II. A locking slot I2 is formed at the rear of the top portion 9. The bottom member 3 is formed with a bottom portion I3, end walls I4, and outwardly extending flanges The helical spring tends to force the member 2 and the member 3 apart, and this movement is limited by engagement of the flanges II with rlanges i I' and I5, as illustrated in Fig. l. Engagement of ends I6 of the flanges I5 with the ends EG of the member 2 prevents longitudinal movement of the member 2, relative to the member 3; but clearance between the flanges I5 and the top portion 9 of the member 2, permits vertical movement of the member 2, relative to the member 3, and vice versa.

Figs. 3 to 7, inclusive, illustrate a. single contact switch construction in which the slide I is incorporated. A casing portion IT is formed with a flat surface, or area I8, over which is secured a housing member I9. The slide I is slidably confined within the housing I9, on the ilat surface i8. The tube I'I is formed with three positien, or station grooves, or recesses, an open circuit groove 29, a flash groove 2l, and a closed circuit groove 22. A conforming ridge, or proa ig.

jection 23, formed in the bottom I3 of the bottom member 3 of the slide I is engaged in one of these station grooves, whenever the slide is at rest, depending upon the will of the operator. A switch lead strip 24 is secured on a strip 25 of insulation by means of a contact rivet, or eyelet 26, which projects through an enlarged opening 2l in the casing portion II and into the housing i9. The insulation strip 25 is secured on the inner surface of the casing portion IT by eyelets The switch lead 24 is electrically connected, in the usual manner, to a lamp 29 and the lamp 29 to a battery, or batteries 30, and the battery 33 is grounded on the easing portion I?, as indicated in Fig. 3. A downwardly projecting locking lug 3|, carried with or formed in the housing I9, projects through the locking slot or recess l2 in the slide I and engages the end wall Il), when the projection, or ridge 23, is engaged in the open circuit groove 2D, to prevent any accidental movement of the slide I from an open circuit position.

In operation, the switch slide I rests normally in the position indicated in Fig. 3, with the ridge 23 engaged in the open circuit groove 20, and the slide locked in this position by enga-gement of the lug 3i in the slot I2. A downward pressure on the button 4 will depress the top member 2, thus freeing it from engagement with the lug 3|. With the member 2 in this depressed position, a forward pressure on the button 4 will force the slide I forward, relatively speaking, causing the ridge 23 to ride out of the groove 20, and raising the bottom member 3, as indicated by dotted lines 1n Fig. 3. These movements of the members 2 and 3 will compress the coiled spring 5, and as the ridge 23 approaches the groove 2l, the spring 5 forces it into the next groove 2I with a snap.

In this llas-h position, a downward pressure on the button 4 will force the flange II into contact with the rivet 2B, thus closing the electric circuit, as indicated in Fig. 4. Release of pressure on the button 4 will permit the spring 5 to lift, or raise, the top member 2 of the slide I, thus breaking the contact between the flange I I and the rivet 26.

A repetition, or continuation, of the forward pressure, which moved the slide from open circuit position to flash position, will move the slide I to closed circuit position, as indicated in Fig. 5, in which position the bottom portion I3 of the slide I is in continuous contact with the contact rivet 26. A backward pressure on the button 4 will return the slide I to open circuit position, and as it rides into this position, the lock lug 3| will snap into position in the slot I2. The button 4 projects upwardly through an elongated opening 32 formed in the housing I9, and the top portion 9 of the member 2 of the slide I is long enough to cover the opening 32 in all positions of the slide I. Clearance openings 2'! and 33 in the tube I7 and the lead strip 24 respectively prevent short circuiting through the rivet 26, or the eyelet 28.

Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate a modied form of single contact switch in which the contact rivet and eyelets, shown in Figs. 3-7, inclusive, are eliminated by the use of an insulation covered lead strip 34. The strip 34 has its metal core 35 uncovered at 3.6 to connect a lamp, and also uncovered and formed into a loop at 3'.' to form a contact for the ilange il. The strip 34 is supported in a slot 38, formed in the tube II, and the tube is formed with a clearance opening 39 under the end 3l, to prevent a short circuit. The operation is the same as that described for the construction, shown in Figs. 3-7 inclusive.

Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate a double contact switch construction incorporating the slide member I. A switch lead 40 is secured to a strip 4I of insulation by rivets 42 and 42', which project through clearance openings 43, formed in the portion I8 of the tube I1. When the ridge 23 of the slide I is engaged in the ash position groove 2|, pressure on the button 4 will depress the flange II into engagement with the rivet 42', thus closing the circuit. When the slide I is in closed circuit position with the ridge 23 engaged in the groove 22, the bottom member 3 of the slide will be engaged on the Contact rivet 42, in a position similar to that illustrated in Fig. 5. It will be noted that the drawings show, in both single and double contact switches, the axis of the button 4, as located between the axis of the spring 5 and the flange of the member 2, which is intended to make a flash contact with the switch lead. This construction provides for a tilting, or rocking, movement of the member 2, which, in a single contact switch, is as shown in Fig. 4, and in a double contact switch, is opposite to that shown in Fig. 4.

Figs. 12, 13, and 14 illustrate a modified form, of double contact switch in which the position grooves and ridges are reversed, relative to the constructions previously illustrated. A single ridge 44, formed in the portion I8 of the tube I1, co-operates with a groove 45, formed in the bottom member 3 of the slide I and bevelled surfaces 46 and 41 also formed on the member 3 to provide the usual three positions for the slide I. The position of the member 2, when released from the locking lug 3|, is shown by dotted lines in Fig. 12. When the groove 45 is engaged on the ridge 44, pressure on the button 4 will engage the flange I I on the rivet 42', thus closing the circuit, and when the bevelled surface 41 is engaged by the ridge 44, contact will be completed between the bottom member 3 and the rivet 42, similar to Fig. 5.

Figs. 15, 16, and 17 illustrate a modied form of double contact switch, which may be assembled complete with and including the switch lead, before assembly with the tube. The slide I is the same as that illustrated in Fig. 12. The slide I is inserted in a housing member, 59, provided with the usual opening 32 and locking lug 3|, and a channel-shaped base member 5| is forced, or pressed, into the bottom of the housing 59 and held in place by engagement of indents 52 and 53, formed in the base 5| and housing 59, respectively. A ridge 54 is formed in the base member 5I, similar in position and function to the ridge 45 in the tube I1, illustrated in Fig. 12. An insulated lead strip 55 is secured on the under side of the base member 5| by tabs 56, and loops 51 formed in the lead strip 55 and stripped of insulation project through clearance openings 58 formed in the base member 5I to provide contacts similar to the rivets 42 and 42', shown in Fig. 12. The assembled switch and switch lead `may be assembled on a tube I1 by inserting a bent portion 59 of the switch lead 55 through an opening 59, formed in the tube I1. The housing 59 may be secured on the tube l1 by inserting tabs 6 I formed on the housing 50, in slots |52, formed in the tube I1 and bending the tabs against the inner surface of the tube I1, as indicated in Fig. 16, or the housing may be secured on the tube I1 by eyelets, in the usual manner, (not shown).

Figs. 18-21 inclusive, illustrate a modied form of ilashlight switch in which the stations are located in co-operative relation with the housing,

instead of with the tube. In Figs. 18, 19 and 20, the station grooves 65, 66, and 61 are formed in the forward end of the housing 68. A ridge 99, formed in the member 2 of the slide I, co-operates with the grooves 65, 69, and- 91, to locate the slide I in the desired position. Grooves 1i) in the back of the housing 68 are for appearance only, and have no operative function. An insulated switch lead 1I is supported in a channel 12 .Formed in the tube I1, and held in place by tabs i3, formed in the tube I1. Contact rivets 14 and electrically connected to the lead 1|, provide means for completing an electric circuit through the member I, either by engagement of the flange il and the rivet 15, when the ridge 69 is engaged in the groove 65, or by engagement of the part 3 on the rivet I4, when the ridge 69 is engaged in the groove 51.

In the construction, illustrated in Fig. 21, the three operating stations, or positions, are provided by the bevelled nose 16 and the grooves 11 and 18, formed in the member 2, in co-operation with a single, inwardly, projecting ridge 19, formed in the housing B9. In the construction, illustrated in Fig. 22, a striplike member 8| is inserted between the top 82 of the housing 83 and the member 2 of the slide I, and is formed with downwardly extending ridges 84 and 85, which coeoperate with the grooves 11 andl'i and the bevelled nose 16 of the member 2, to provide operating stations for the slide I. The strip Bi is also formed with a locking lug 8S, which cooperates with the locking-slot I2 in the member 2, and an opening 81, similar to the opening 32 in the housing, through which the button 4 projects and in which the button 4 moves from open circuit position to closed circuit position. The advantage of this construction is in the use of a housing member having a plain, smooth, exterior, without indentations, or projections, of any kind. The operation of the constructions, shown in Figs. 21 and 22 is the same as that described for the construction, shown in Fig. 18.

An alternative locking device is illustrated in Fig. 23. A locking strip 90, formed with an operating, or gripping roll 9|, and a locking hook 92,

is slidably secured on the tube l1, between the tube I1 and the housing I9. When the strip 9i is pushed forwardly into the position, shown in Fig. 23, the hook portion 92 rides up on a roll, or bead 93, formed in the tube I1, in which position the hook 92 will impinge against the end of the flange to prevent forward movement of the slide I. When the locking strip 99 is pulled outwardly in the direction of the arrow 94, the hook 92 will rest on the tube I1 below the flange I I, so that the ange I I will clear the hook 92, as the slide I moves forward.

The construction of the switch slide illustrated in Figs. 24, 25, and 26 is adapted for use in a double housing, such as is employed in the type of flashlight disclosed in Patent #1,969,320, issued August '1, 1934, to Wesley J. Oiiicer and Blake A. Seaver. When va single housing is used in co-operation with the switch slide, opposing side walls of the housing conne the members 2 and 3 of the slide and prevent side slippage of these members, relative to each other, but in a double housing, like the housing i9', shown in section in Fig. 26, means must be provided for preventing side, or lateral slippage, of the upper and lower members of the switch slide, relative to each other. The upper member 2 is notched at |09 and IDI, and the end flanges i5 of the lower member 3 are formed with projecting lugs 75 l G2 and l U3, which are located, or engaged, in the notches iO and l, respectively. When assembled in a housing I9', the button 4, being coniined within a slot 32 (see Fig. 15), in the housing, prevents side, or l-ateral slippage, of the upper member 2'. The side wall I9 of the housing t9 prevents side or lateral slippage of the bottom member 3 in one direction, and engagement of the lugs |02 and |03 of the lower member` 3' in notches |69 and IUI of the upper member 2', prevents side slippage of the member 3 in the opposite direction. As the lugs 02 and |03 are formed on one side only of the member 3', the member 3 may be quickly and easily slipped into the member 2 in -assembling operations. The side edges |34 of the bottom portion i3 of the member 3 are bent upwardly to serve as a retaining means for the helical spring 5, and also to reinforce the portion I3. This construction prevents the spring 5 from working sideways out of proper alignment with the members 2' and 3.

What we claim is:-

l. In a circuit closing device for flashlights, a movable contact structure comprising a pair of spaced members one confined within the other, a coiled spring for normally spacing the same, an operating part for moving the members as a unit, the axis of said operating part being spaced from and parallel to the axis of the coiled spring thereby providing, when said operating part is depressed, a tilting movement of the members relative to each other.

2. A flashlight switch comprising in combination with a battery enclosing casing, a housing on the casing, a movable member in the housing, a second member in the first member, a coiled spring for normally spacing the members apart, means for moving the members as a unit longitudin-ally of the housing and casing and also for permitting independent vertical movement of each member by compressing the coiled spring, the axis of the coiled spring being laterally spaced from the axis of the moving means of the members for permitting the members to assume an inclined position when the moving means is operated to depress the coiled spring.

3. In combination, in a circuit closing device, a battery-receiving casing having a projecting part, a housing connected to the casing having a depending lug portion, two members in the housing, the upper one having an opening for receiving said lug part, a coiled spring for forcing the members apart, means connected to the upper for moving the two members as a unit, one of the members having a depressed portion that is formed with inclined ends and a struck-up part for engaging the projecting part on the casing for retaining the two members in different positions of adjustment, the coiled spring when compressed by the moving means of the members operates to disengage the said lug from the opening in the upper member of said members, whereby the movable members as a unit can be operated for bringing the inclined ends and struck-up part of one of the members into engagement with the projecting part on the casing, and a contact on the casing that is engaged by one of the members when moved as a unit.

4. In combination in a switch mechanism, a housing, a switch lead therein formed with oiset portions, a channel-shaped member in the housing, the base part of the member having the switch lead secured thereto, means for securing the channel-shaped member to the housing, the base part of the channel-shaped member having a projecting part, two members in the housing and located above said base, a coiled spring for normally holding the members in spaced relation to each other, the two members being assembled for longitudinal movement as a unit, a lock device on the housing and one of the members, means on one of the two members for moving them as a unit and also for moving one of them in a vertical direction for disengaging the lock device to permit the longitudinal movement, one of the members having a part for engaging the projecting part of the said base member for positioning the unit to engage the offset parts of the switch lead.

5. In combination, in a switch construction, a housing, an electrical lead supporting member thereon and formed with openings, means for securing the said member to the housing, the lead having spaced projecting-contact portions in said openings, an upper and a lower member in the housing assembled for movement together as a unit, a coiled spring between the members, means on the upper member for moving the said members as a unit, a lock device for normally retaining the members in a retracted position in the housing which is released when vertical pressure is applied to the means Lor moving the said unit, the lead supporting member having a projecting part located between the spaced contacts of the lead, the lower member being slidable on the lead supporting member and having portions that co-operate with the projecting part of the lead supporting member ier positioning the unit for engaging the spaced contacts of the lead, whereby contacts may be made for closing the electric circuit.

6. In a circuit closer for iiashlights and electric hand lanterns, in combination, a relatively fixed part comprising a battery containing casing portion and a housing relatively fixed with respect to the casing portion and formed with an opening and enclosing a switch contact, a composite member part relatively loosely received in the housing and slidable on the casing portion, said composite member comprising a rst member, a second member telescoping with the iirst member, inter-engaging means for the iirst and second member limiting separating movement of said members, a coil spring normally urging said iirst and second members away from one f another and manually engageable means carried with said composite member and disposed in the opening of the housing to effect movement of said iirst and second members in a horizontal plane and one of said members in a vertical plane to selectively make contact with the switch Contact.

7. In a circuit closer for flashlights and electric hand lanterns, in combination, a relatively fixed part comprising a battery containing casing portion and a housing relatively iixed with respect to the casing portion and formed with an opening and enclosing a switch contact, a composite member part relatively loosely received in the housing and slidable on the casing portion, said composite member comprising a rst member, a second member telescoping with the first member, interengaging means for the rst and second member limiting separating movement of said members, a coil spring normally urging said rst and second members away from one another, and manually engageable means carried with said composite member and disposed in the opening of the housing to effect movement of said iirst and second members in a horizontal plane and one of said members in a vertical plane to selectively make contact with the switch contact',v

said relatively xed part and said composite member part being formed, respectively, with interengaging portions to releasably retain said composite member in a predetermined position.

8. In a circuit closer for fiashlights and electric hand lanterns, in combination, a relatively xed part comprising a battery containing casing portion and a housing relatively fixed with respect to the casing portion and formed with an opening and enclosing a switch contact, a com posite member part relatively loosely received in the housing and slidable on the casing portion, said composite member comprising a first member, a second member telescoping with the first member, interengaging means for the first and second member limiting separating movement of said members, a coil spring normally urging said rst and second members away from one another, and manually engageable means carried with said composite member and disposed in the opening of the housing to effect movement of said first and second members in a horizontal plane and one of said members in a vertical plane to selectivelymake contact with the switch contact, one of said parts being formed with a recess and the other part being formed with a protruding portion adapted to enter the recess to releasably retain said composite member in a predetermined position.

9. In a circuit closer for flashlights and electric hand lanterns, in combination, a relatively fixed part comprising a battery containing casing portion and a housing relatively fixed with respect to the casing portion and formed with an opening and enclosing a switch contact, a composite member part relatively loosely received in the housing and slidable on the casing portion, said composite member comprising a first member, a second member telescoping with the rst member, .interengaging means for the first and second member limiting separating movement of said members, a coil spring normally urging said first and second members away from one another, and manually engageable means carried with said composite member and disposed in the opening of the housing to eiect movement of said first and second members in a horizontal plane and one of said members in a vertical plane to selectively make contact with the switch contact, one of said parts being formed with an aperture and the other part being formed with a protruding locking finger adapted to enter the recess to releasably retain said composite member in circuit open position.

l0. In a circuit closer for flashlights and electric hand lanterns, in combination, a relatively fixed part comprising a battery containing casing portion and a housing relatively fixed with respect to the casing portion and formed with an opening and enclosing a switch contact, a c-omposite member part relatively loosely received in the housing and slidable on the casing portion, said composite member comprising a first member, a second member telescoping with the first member, interengaging means for the iirst and second member limiting separating movement of said members, a coil spring normally urging said first and second members away from one another, manually engageable means carried with said composite member and disposed in the opening of the housing to effect movement of said first and second members in a horizontal plane and one of said members in a vertical plane to selectively make contact with the switch contact, one of said parts being formed with a plurality of recesses corresponding to open circuit, intermittent closed circuit and steady closed circuit positions, respectively, and the other part being formed with a protruding portion adapted to enter a selected recess to releasably retain said composite member.

11. In a circuit closer for flashlights and elec-V tric hand lanterns, in combination, a relatively xed part comprising a battery containing casing portion and a housing relatively xed with respect to the casing portion and formed with an opening and enclosing a switch contact, a composite member part relatively loosely received in the housing and slidable on the casing portion, said composite member comprising a first member, a second member telescoping with the rst member, interengaging means for the first and second member limiting separating movement of said members, said composite member part normally having a portion engageable with the contact in its sliding movement and a portion normally out of engagement with the contact in the sliding movement of said composite member part, a coil spring normally urging said first and second members away from one another and manually engageable means carried with said composite member and disposed in the opening of the housing to eiect movement of said iirst and second members in a horizontal plane and one of said members in a vertical plane to selectively make contact with the switch contact.

12. 'In a circuit closer for ashlights and electric hand lanterns, in combination, a relatively xed part comprising a battery containing casing portion` and a housing relatively fixed with respect to the casing portion and formed with an opening and enclosing a switch Contact, a composite member part relatively loosely received in the housing and slidable on the casing portion, said composite member comprising a rst member, a second member telescoping with the rst member, interengaging means for the rst and second member limiting separating movement of said members, a coil spring normally urging said first and second members away from one another, manually engageable means carried with said composite member and disposed in the opening of the housing to effect movement of said first and second members in a horizontal plane and one of said members in a vertical plane to selectively make contact with the switch contact, one of said parts being formed with an aperture and the other part being formed with a protruding locking finger adapted to enter the recess to releasably retain said composite member in circuit open position, one of said parts being formed with a plurality of recesses corresponding to open circuit, intermittent closed circuit and steady closed circuit positions, respectively, and the other part being formed with a protruding portion adapted to enter a selected recess to releasably retain said composite member.

i3. In a circuit closer for flashlights and electric hand lanterns, in combination, a relatively fixed part comprising a battery containing casing portion and a housing relatively fixed with respect to the casing portion and formed with an opening and enclosing a switch Contact, a composite member part relatively loosely received in the housing and slidable on the casing portion, said composite member comprising a rst member, a second member telescoping with the first member, interengaging means for the first and second member limiting separating movement of said members, said composite member part normally having a portion engageable with the contact in its sliding movement and a portion normally out of engagement with the Contact in the sliding movement of said composite member part, a coil spring normally urging said rst and second members away from one another, manually engageable means carried with said composite member and disposed in the opening of the housing to effect movement of said iirst and second members in a horizontal plane and one of said members in a vertical plane to selectively make contact with the switch contact, one of said parts being formed with an aperture and the other part being formed with a protruding locking nger adapted to enter the recess to releasably retain said composite member in circuit open position, one of said parts being formed with a plurality of recesses corresponding to open circuit, intermittent closed circuit and steady closed circuit positions, respectively, and the other part being formed with a protruding portion adapted to enter a selected recess to releasably retain said composite member.

14. In a circuit closer for ashlights and electric hand lanterns, in combination, a relatively iixed part comprising a battery containing casing portion and a housing relatively fixed with respect to the casing portion and formed with an opening and enclosing a switch contact, a composite member part relatively loosely received in the housing and slidable on the casing portion, said composite member comprising a rst member having downwardly directed ends one of which at least is formed with an inwardly directed flange, a second member having upwardly directed ends to telescope with respect to the rst member, one end of which is formed with a ange in cooperative engagement with the first named Iiange to limit separating movement of said members, a coil spring normally urging said rst and second members away from one another and manually engageable means carried with said composite member and disposed in the opening of the housing to effect movement of said first and second members in vertical and horizontal planes to selectively make contact with the switch contact.

WESLEY J. OFFICER. ORVILLE T. WOOD.

CERTIFICATE OE CORRECTION.. Patent No. 2,158,587. November 29, 1958.

, WESLEY J. OFFICER, ET AL.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:l Page, first column, line 59, 'strike out the word uslide"; line 58, for the words "with flanges lland l5" read and 1li with flanges 15; page 5, second column, line 17, for "rivet l read rivet "(L.; and that the s aid Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed vthis 51st day of January, A. D. 1959.

Henry Van Arsdale (Seal) v Acting Commissioner of Patents.

CERTIFLCATE OF CORRECTION. Patent No. 2,158,587. November 29, 1958.

l WESLEY J. OFFICER, ET AL.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above nwnbered patent requiring correction as follows:- Page 2, first column, line 59, 'strike out the word "s1ide"; line 58, for the words "with flanges lland 15 read and 11' with flanges 15; page 5, second column, line 1T, for "rivet 1h." read rivet 71|.; and that the s aid Letters Patent shouldbe read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 51st day of January, A. D. 1959.

Henry Van Arsdale (Seal) Acting Commis sioner of Patents. 

